If you avoid going to the dentist, you are not alone. Around 15 percent of people in the United States avoid going to dental offices due to anxiety. When faced with going to a dentist one has not seen before, the stress can be overwhelming. However, the biggest reason for fear is not knowing what to expect. Here is a rundown of what you can expect from your first visit to a new dentist.
First, you will register and give your details to the dental receptionist. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. They will want to know the basics, such as your name, address, phone number and a contact name and number and they will want to know about any dental issues you have had in the past as well as what you have been dealing with recently. The receptionist will be able to answer some of your questions regarding payment, and what types of treatment are available to you.
Next, your new dentist will look at your teeth and evaluate the health of your teeth and gums. He or she will ask about any problems you have been having with your oral health. The dentist will count your teeth and fillings and measure spaces between your teeth. This will be recorded on a chart to be kept in your records for later referrals.
You should be seated in a comfortable chair while the dentist examines your mouth and advises you on how to best care for your teeth.
X-rays may be next. If it has been a while since you have seen a dentist and you are there due to dental pain, x-rays are used to detect problems that are not visible to the naked eye. X-rays can find an infection, cavities, gum disease, and some kinds of oral tumors. The x-rays are not usually painful, and they are done quickly.
After your teeth have been examined and your dentist has reviewed the x-rays, the receptionist will schedule another appointment. If you need to have work done, you will get an appointment for an extraction, filling, further examination, or any necessary surgery. Even if everything is fine, it will be necessary to schedule routine appointments.
The research has shown that going to the dentist regularly helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, and helps to keep any problems from getting worse. The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends that patients see their dentist twice a year. If you do require further dental treatment after your first appointment, the receptionist will let you know what to do and what to expect.
Your initial Richmond dental appointment will not take long at all and is not something about which you need to worry. It is just a quick registration, exam, x-ray, and discussion about taking care of your teeth and gums. When you do need special treatment, you will have already met your dentist and will be able to ask questions and get an idea of what to expect in the future.
Remember that a good dentist has your health in mind and will do his or her best to ensure that you are comfortable and have all the information you need to keep your mouth and teeth healthy for years to come.
There are quite a few people in the world who are completely afraid of going to the dentist. Even though it might seem like a horrifying thing to do, the fear of a visit is not something people should be worried about too much.